TV-Series
Description
Commissioner Karato is a high-ranking official within the government of the Neo Japan space colony. He serves as the chairman of the colony's Gundam Fight committee, placing him in a position of significant authority over Neo Japan's participation in the tournament. His political ambitions are closely tied to the success of Neo Japan's representative, Domon Kasshu. Karato stands to become the Prime Minister of Neo Japan if Domon is able to win the 13th Gundam Fight.
In terms of personality, Karato is often perceived as a timid bureaucrat who lacks confidence in his own Gundam Fighter's ability to secure a victory. While he can appear as a high-handed authority figure, this timidity belies a deeper sense of responsibility. He is described as a person who prioritizes the safety of human life above political concerns. This is notably demonstrated when the Devil Gundam threatens the colony after the Gundam Fight, where he gives top priority to the evacuation of citizens. His role as commissioner is primarily driven by the political and administrative success of Neo Japan, but his actions reveal a genuine concern for civilian welfare.
Karato's role in the story is that of a primary decision-maker for Neo Japan during the Gundam Fight. He is closely involved in the administration and strategy surrounding Domon's mission, which includes not only winning the tournament but also the secret objective of capturing the rogue Devil Gundam and Domon's brother, Kyoji. In one instance, he is shown overseeing a drug-induced simulation designed to test Domon's mental state and combat readiness, demonstrating a willingness to use extreme methods to ensure the mission's success. During this test, he is pragmatic to the point of coldness, stating that if something were to happen to Domon, a replacement could easily be found. As the story progresses, his stance evolves. During the final battle, he boards the ship Gorby II to provide direct support to the allied Gundam Fighters.
Key relationships define his actions and position. He works alongside Major Ulube Ishikawa, a high-ranking military officer who often has conflicting and more nefarious intentions. Unlike Ulube, Karato shows a degree of principle; after Domon's victory, he promises to grant a full pardon to Domon's father, Dr. Raizo Kasshu, and clear the family's name. He also has a professional relationship with Dr. Mikamura, another official involved in the Gundam project. Ultimately, after the Devil Gundam is destroyed, Karato is shown speaking with the freed Dr. Raizo Kasshu, discussing the future of the next Gundam Fight, indicating a move toward closure and rebuilding.
Karato does not pilot a mobile suit and has no notable combat abilities. His skills are entirely political and administrative, wielding influence through his position as commissioner rather than through direct action. He develops from a politician primarily concerned with his own rise to power and uncertain of his fighter's abilities into an individual who actively prioritizes human life and supports the heroes in a more tangible way during the final conflict.
In terms of personality, Karato is often perceived as a timid bureaucrat who lacks confidence in his own Gundam Fighter's ability to secure a victory. While he can appear as a high-handed authority figure, this timidity belies a deeper sense of responsibility. He is described as a person who prioritizes the safety of human life above political concerns. This is notably demonstrated when the Devil Gundam threatens the colony after the Gundam Fight, where he gives top priority to the evacuation of citizens. His role as commissioner is primarily driven by the political and administrative success of Neo Japan, but his actions reveal a genuine concern for civilian welfare.
Karato's role in the story is that of a primary decision-maker for Neo Japan during the Gundam Fight. He is closely involved in the administration and strategy surrounding Domon's mission, which includes not only winning the tournament but also the secret objective of capturing the rogue Devil Gundam and Domon's brother, Kyoji. In one instance, he is shown overseeing a drug-induced simulation designed to test Domon's mental state and combat readiness, demonstrating a willingness to use extreme methods to ensure the mission's success. During this test, he is pragmatic to the point of coldness, stating that if something were to happen to Domon, a replacement could easily be found. As the story progresses, his stance evolves. During the final battle, he boards the ship Gorby II to provide direct support to the allied Gundam Fighters.
Key relationships define his actions and position. He works alongside Major Ulube Ishikawa, a high-ranking military officer who often has conflicting and more nefarious intentions. Unlike Ulube, Karato shows a degree of principle; after Domon's victory, he promises to grant a full pardon to Domon's father, Dr. Raizo Kasshu, and clear the family's name. He also has a professional relationship with Dr. Mikamura, another official involved in the Gundam project. Ultimately, after the Devil Gundam is destroyed, Karato is shown speaking with the freed Dr. Raizo Kasshu, discussing the future of the next Gundam Fight, indicating a move toward closure and rebuilding.
Karato does not pilot a mobile suit and has no notable combat abilities. His skills are entirely political and administrative, wielding influence through his position as commissioner rather than through direct action. He develops from a politician primarily concerned with his own rise to power and uncertain of his fighter's abilities into an individual who actively prioritizes human life and supports the heroes in a more tangible way during the final conflict.